Family of Slain EFCC Officer Demands Justice as Suspect Allegedly Granted Bail
The family of Assistant Superintendent Harisu Aminu Sahabi, an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who was allegedly killed in the line of duty on January 17, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene urgently and ensure justice is served.
At a press conference held over the weekend in Sokoto, the elder brother of the deceased, Alhaji Lamir Amin, spoke on behalf of the grieving family, expressing deep sorrow and outrage over reports that the prime suspect in the murder, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, has been granted bail despite the severity of the crime and what the family claims is overwhelming evidence of his guilt.
“We are devastated not only by the brutal and senseless killing of our brother, who was serving his country with dedication and honor, but also by the apparent miscarriage of justice now unfolding,” Lamir said.
He questioned the rationale behind the court’s decision, stating: “How can someone accused of shooting and killing a federal law enforcement officer in cold blood during an authorized operation be released on bail so easily?”
The family has raised concerns about possible foul play, suggesting that local influence may have played a role in the decision, especially as the suspect is an indigene of Anambra State, where the incident took place.
“This is not only a crime against our brother and our family—it is a crime against the entire country and against the rule of law,” Lamir added. “If those who murder security agents can walk free, what message are we sending to criminals, and to the families of those who risk their lives daily to protect Nigeria?”
The family is calling for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the granting of bail, including a thorough review of the legal justification and whether due process was followed. They are also demanding the transfer of the case to a neutral jurisdiction to guarantee transparency, fairness, and protection against local interference.
They further called for the full prosecution of the suspect, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, to serve as a strong deterrent to those who may contemplate violence against state officials.
In addition to justice, the family is seeking government support, including appropriate compensation for the deceased officer’s family, posthumous honors in recognition of his service, and assurances of safety for his dependents.
“Aminu’s death has left a permanent wound in our hearts, but what hurts even more is watching the very system he served fail to honor his sacrifice,” Lamir said. “We are not asking for sympathy — we are demanding justice. The law that Aminu gave his life to uphold must not be ridiculed by allowing a suspected killer to walk free.”
The family has appealed to President Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society groups to treat the case as one of national significance and urgency.
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